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A contrite spirit is an acceptable sacrifice to God. A contrite spirit comes to Jesus for His redeeming grace, repentant and remorseful over sin. The sinful woman in Luke 7 knew she was not welcomed at the house of Simon the Pharisee. Her negative reputation preceded her. She was recognised negatively even before she entered the house. But she came for one reason – to pour herself before the Lord in sorrowful repentance. Her need for the Lord was far greater than her concern over the piercing judgmental stares by others or the risk she took of being rejected. With her tears, she sought for forgiveness; with her kisses, she demonstrated her deep gratitude; her alabaster flask of perfume brought the fragrance of the Lord’s Presence to all in the house.
Asking for forgiveness is not with mere words. The act of repentance is coming before the Lord and turning over to His Lordship. “For all these things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isa. 66:2). When Jesus asked Simon the Pharisee: “Do you see this woman?” He was not referring to physical sight of the woman before them. He wanted Simon to see the woman beyond her sin. Her contrite spirit expressing her need for forgiveness was worthy of following. Such is the abundance of God’s mercies, who values the sinner and cares for the individual who turns to Him.
What keeps a person from knowing God’s bountiful grace and forgiveness? It is self-righteousness, judgemental view of others and critical of others’ spiritual worthiness. Simon the Pharisee saw the woman and thought of how low she was, being steeped in sin. He expressed in his heart his disgust that Jesus should have any dealings at all with such sinners. Jesus who discerns all thoughts and intentions of the heart pointed out that he lacked the spirit of repentance and the service of worship. Worship is not about the extent of sinfulness or righteousness but a depth of realisation of being unworthy of God’s grace in forgiveness. Let our thoughts every moment be filled with gratitude. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col 2:8).
